Friday, August 29, 2014

Review: The Winter Boy by Sally Wiener Grotta

The Winter Boy
By Sally Wiener Grotta
A Bookwatch Reviewer's Choice

Reminiscent of Margaret Atwood, Mary Doria Russell and Ursula K. LeGuin, The Winter Boy explores important political and social issues within a dynamic, character-driven otherworld, wrapped up in masterful storytelling.
“…a very rewarding read that raises your self-awareness in a way that only great books do…
A literary triumph” ~ Dr. Babus Ahmed, Ajoobatcats


BUY THE WINTER BOY:Amazonhttp://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwgrottanet-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00M2AAHFYApple iBookstoreBarnes & Noblehttp://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=wuZssfs32dE&bids=261457.9780988387195&type=2&subid=0Books-A-MillionKobo or an independent bookstore near you. Available in paperback, hardbound or eBook (all formats)


The Valley of the Alleshi is the center of all civilization, the core and foundation of centuries of peace. A cloistered society of widows, the Alleshi, has forged a peace by mentoring young men who will one day become the leaders of the land. Each boy is paired with a single Allesha for a season of intimacy and learning, using time-honored methods that include dialog, reason and sexual intimacy. However, unknown to all but a hidden few, the peace is fracturing from pressures within and beyond, hacking at the very essence of their civilization.
Amidst this gathering political maelstrom, Rishana, a young new idealistic Allesha, takes her First Boy, Ryl, for a winter season of training. But Ryl is a “problem boy” who fights Rishana every step of the way. At the same time, Rishana uncovers a web of conspiracies that could not only destroy Ryl, but threatens to tear their entire society apart. And a winter that should have been a gentle, quiet season becomes one of conflict, anger and danger.

Editorial Reviews

“...a great book... in the 'must read' category for anyone who enjoys a cultural fantasy...” ~ Charline Ratcliff, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"An amazing, tour-de-force literary work completely unlike anything I have ever read.... People will be studying and talking about The Winter Boy for years to come." ~ Wendy Delmater Thies, Abyss and Apex Magazine
"...with the kind of mysterious tone and a sense of a complete world apart that is the hallmark of the best.... The Winter Boy... exists in... a mythic, spiritual realm. Even ordinary lines resonate with this sense of the unseen." ~ Peter Damien Bellis, author of The Conjure Man
“...a deeply thoughtful book… very engrossing” ~ Kelly Jensen, SFCrowsnest
"...intriguing, thought provoking and highly enthralling." ~ Lynn Worton, Zavive
“Sally Wiener Grotta blends pain, love, lust and adventure into a tale you may not want to put down.” ~ Robin Baum
"This book is a masterpiece. I am in awe of the author's storytelling skill." ~ Evie Harris, Sammi
"...lyrical... deep... well-imagined and exotic." ~Mary Sellers, What Is That Book About
“… multi-faceted, complex and wholly intriguing” ~ Gaele Hince, I Am Indeed
“Deep and profound” ~ Dr. Norma Krasne-Levine
"What a gorgeous story." ~ Barbara Heckendoen
"The Winter Boy is an intriguing story that's unlike any other I have read." ~ L.A. Sherman


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About Sally Wiener Grotta

Sally Wiener Grotta is a consummate storyteller, reflecting her deep humanism and appreciation for the poignancy of life. As an award-winning journalist, she has authored hundreds of articles, columns, essays and reviews for scores of glossy magazines, newspapers, journals and online publications. She has also authored numerous non-fiction books. Her fiction includes Jo Joe, a Black Bear, and Pennsylvania novel.
A member of the American Society of Journalists & Authors, Sally Wiener Grotta is a frequent speaker at conferences. Schools and other organizations storytelling, creativity, the business of writing, as well as on photography and the traditional tradespeople of her American Hands narrative portrait project. She welcomes invitations to participate in discussions with book clubs (occasionally in person, more often via Skype, Google Hangout, or phone), and to do occasional readings. You can also connect with her on FacebookTwitterLinkedInGoogle+ and/or her blog.

My Review:

Sally Wiener Grotta is one of my favorite authors since I began blogging. I previously read Jo Joe which was by far amazingly written and the same goes for The Winter Boy. I enjoy the development of the characters throughout the story. The plot is well written with many insights that are offered throughout the story that are related to our world. I highly recommend The Winter Boy along with Sally’s prior work. 




FTC Disclaimer

Since the FTC has so kindly taken to regulate bloggers I have to state that, yes I get free books and sometimes products to review. These books/products are given to me to evaluate and decide if I like them or not and then write an honest review about them that I display on this blog. I do not receive monetary compensation for these reviews and all my reviews state my honest opinion of the products/books. I am in no way swayed by any type of bribery or cajoling. My opinions are my own and will be negative or positive depending on the book or product.

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